Automatic air and water docking system for a molding machine

ABSTRACT

An automatic docking system for an injection molding machine having a mold. The docking system includes a moldset with a core plate, a guide on each side of the core plate and moldset guides on a face of the mold. The moldset guides cooperate with the core plate guides to load the moldset into the machine. A water manifold is mounted in the mold and a plurality of water connections extend from the manifold toward a moldset to be mounted in the machine. An air channel is provided in each moldset guide. A core plate separation block is attached to a top end of each core plate guide. Air channels extend through the core plate and the core plate separation blocks. Each separation block includes an air opening for engaging an air opening on a moldset guide when the moldset is loaded into the machine. The core plate guides and moldset guides guide the moldset into the machine and guide water connections in the moldset into sealing connection with the water connections in the manifold and the air openings on the separation block into sealing connection with the air openings on the moldset guides when the moldset is fully installed in the machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, generally, to an injection moldingmachine, and more particularly, but not exclusively, the inventionrelates to three level stack mold injection molding machine.

2. Background Information

The state of the art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,666 that provides afour level mold having linkage for moving the molds that is capable ofmoving the molds simultaneously and in unison so that the molds open andclose together. The linkage would not permit the use of a side entryrobot nor does it show open and easy access through the top of themachine.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,387 describes a swing arm device for removing partsfrom a mold. The motion of the swing arm device is synchronized with theopening and closing of the mold to speed up part retrieval.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,119 shows a stack mold in Tandem configuration withcores aligned the same way. In this machine the mold is operated onalternate cycles so each side opens sequentially rather thansimultaneously.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,027,681 and 6,099,784 describe a stack mold that hasunequal strokes so that different parts can be molded in the adjacentmolds.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,811 describes a two level mold that is mounted onlinear bearings. This is the type of machine that has been modified bythe present invention to provide a three level stack mold in the spaceoccupied by the two level stack mold described in this patent.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,908,597 and 6,036,472 describe multiple stack moldmachines that use rack and pinion devices to open and close the mold andincludes part ejection means that is operated independently of the rackand pinion devices.

An article on page 14 of the September, 1991 issue of Plastics Worlddescribes a mold change system that includes self-locating/leveling moldguide slots.

An article by P. Glorio of Incoe Corp. published in ANTEC '88, pages 255to 258 describes the development of quick mold change systems includingsystems that use hydraulically actuated wedge-lock clamps.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,473,346 describes a single level molding system wherethe molding dies are insertable and removable in either the horizontalor vertical direction.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,274 describes a quick-change mold system thatincludes adapter plates provided with service fittings that interconnectand disconnect upon insertion, and removal of the molds together withthe adapter plates.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,275 describes a quick-change mold system thatincludes a locator clamp for facilitating the insertion and removal of amold from a molding machine

U.S. Pat. No. 4,568,263 describes the use of locator wedge clampassemblies mounted on and extending from the platens

U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,404 describes the use of rollers and guide rails foraligning a mold press in a vertical plane above the injection moldingmachine.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,405 describes a mounting plate attachable to amolding machine platen. The mounting plate has a plurality of retentionslots with hydraulically actuated clamps in the slots. Actuation of theclamps presses a mold part toward the platen in an adjusted position.

With the cost of injection molding machines and the competitive pricingof products made thereon, it is essential that the machine be asproductive as possible. In the case where the machine must be capable ofmaking a number of different parts, this requires that mold changes bequick and inexpensive. It is also cost effective to minimize the spacerequirements of the machine. In addition, it is essential that parts beremoved from the molds as quickly as possible so the cycle time of themachine can be as short as possible. It is also advantageous to providea machine that requires only a single set of hot runner plates for allmoldsets usable on the machine.

The present invention provides an injection molding machine that enablesmold changes to be made quickly and easily, provides robot accessibilityto the parts that may be of a variety of heights without modifying thespace requirements of the mold and allows a three level stack mold forhigh profile parts to be placed in space that was previously fullyoccupied by a two level stack mold.

The invention is achieved by creating a three level stack mold thatprovides open access to the molds from all sides when the molds areopen. Side access is provided by designing a linkage for the stack moldthat surrounds the mold opening but does not cross it when the molds areopen. Moving all physical connections such as water and electrical linesto the side edges of the mold provides access through the top andbottom. To avoid any electrical faults caused by water leaks fromoccurring, the electrical connections are made at the top of the moldand the water connections at the lower point of the mold. Airconnections are also provided at the top of the machine to avoid orminimize contamination of the air lines by a failure in the water supplysystem.

When the molds need to be changed, the mold is closed and each cavityplate is latched to its respective core plate. The mold is then openedand each moldset of a cavity plate and a core plate is removed from themachine as a single unit along guides. When the cavity and core platemoldset is fully removed, a new moldset of a cavity plate and a coreplate is inserted into the mold and guided by the same grooves. Thegrooves guide the core plate so that it is slightly separated from theplaten until it is very near its home position. When it reaches thisposition a wedge surface forces the core plate against the platen andautomatically locks it into position on the platen. At the same time theair and water connections automatically connect to the core plate byautomatic docking mechanisms. When the core plate is in position, themold is closed and the cavity plate is disconnected from the core plateand firmly attached to the hot runner plate.

The invention also provides a machine in which all three moldsets in thethree level stack mold are oriented in the same direction. This enablesuniform robot actuation for all three moldsets without the need toreorientate molded parts. This further simplifies the retrieval ofmolded parts.

With this configuration, the robot can be located in the same positionfor all parts and enter between the cavity and core faces withoutinterference with either face. The linkage assembly surrounds the moldopening when the mold is open and eliminates the need for robotadjustment when the molds are changed. This also provides weightdistribution and manufacturing benefits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an automatic docking system for aninjection molding machine having a mold. The docking system includes amoldset with a core plate, a guide on each side of the core plate andmoldset guides on a face of the mold. The moldset guides cooperate withthe core plate guides to load the moldset into the machine. A watermanifold is mounted in the mold and a plurality of water connectionsextend from the manifold toward a moldset to be mounted in the machine.An air channel is provided in each moldset guide. A core plateseparation block is attached to a top end of each core plate guide. Airchannels extend through the core plate and the core plate separationblocks. Each separation block includes an air opening for engaging anair opening on a moldset guide when the moldset is loaded into themachine. The core plate guides and moldset guides guide the moldset intothe machine and guide water connections in the moldset into sealingconnection with the water connections in the manifold and the airopenings on the separation block into sealing connection with the airopenings on the moldset guides when the moldset is fully installed inthe machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the injection-molding machine withthe mold closed.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the injection-molding machine withthe mold open.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the injection-molding machinehaving the three hot runners ready to be loaded into the machine.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the injection-molding machine withthe three hot runners mounted in the machine and the moldsets inposition to be loaded into the machine.

FIG. 5 is a second rear perspective view of the machine with themoldsets in position to be loaded into the machine.

FIG. 6 is a rear side view of a three level stack mold injection-moldingmachine with the mold open.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a three level stack mold machinewith the mold open.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a linkage assembly for the front of athree level stack mold showing the assembly when the mold is open.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the linkage assembly for the front ofthe machine showing the linkage when the mold is open and when the moldis closed.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the mold for a three levelstack-molding machine in a partially assembled condition.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the guide assembly for thecore plate.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the guide assembly with a core plateentering the guide assembly.

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the guide assembly and coreplate.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the movable platen with core plateguides.

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of a movable platen with a coreplate fully engaged with the platen.

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the molding machine.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a moldset partially loaded into amachine.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a core plate with guides and a coreplate separation block.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a part of the core plate and the coreplate separation block.

FIG. 20 is side view of the core plate and core plate separation block.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the core plate and core plateseparation block.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a dial indicator device for indicatingproper positioning of the core plate.

FIG. 23 is a partially cut-away view of a guide with the dial indicator.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the water manifold mounted on acarrier.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the two carrier assemblies withmanifolds and hot runners.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the injection-molding machine 10 includes amachine frame 12 and a stationary platen 14 supporting a fixed hotrunner 30. Column housing 20 is connected to the molding machine 10 atclamp block 16. Clamp column 22 clamps the moldsets 24, 26 and 28 closedduring an injection cycle of the molding machine 10. Moldsets 26 and 28with their associated hot runners 33 and 34 are mounted on carriers 70.Movable platen 32 and carriers 70 have rollers 128 that travel on frame12. A stroke cylinder is fixed inside the column housing 20 and drivesthe clamp column 22 to stroke the movable platen 32. Stroking of theplaten 32 drives the linkage assembly 38 to open and close the moldsets24, 26 and 28. The four tiebars 18 are tensioned by the operation of theclamp piston inside clamp block 16.

Mold cavity plates 40, 42 and 44 are mounted on fixed hot runner 30 andmovable hot runners 33 and 34, respectively. Mold core plate 52 ismounted on movable platen 32 and core plates 48 and 50 are mounted onmovable hot runners 33 and 34. With this configuration, all the moldcores face in the same direction. This enables any take out robots to beorientated in a single direction so the ejection and removal of moldedparts is simplified. This also allows each of the two central movingsections of the three level stack mold machine to be identical to oneanother. This provides manufacturing benefits as only a single design isrequired. Furthermore, as each section is identical, a more balancedweight distribution is maintained within the machine.

Water service lines 62 to the machine 10 are arranged inside of the legsof the machine 10. The electrical lines 54 and 56 are shown connected tomovable hot runners 33 and 34 over flexible cables joined to brackets 58and 60. Flexible water lines 62 are similarly connected to the undersideof water manifolds 120. The service connections will be fully describedhereinafter.

FIG. 3 shows the unassembled machine with the fixed hot runner 30 andthe movable hot runners 33 and 34 poised above the machine ready to beloaded onto the machine. Of course, in actual operation, only one of thehot runners at a time would be in position to be loaded onto themachine.

Fixed hot runner 30 is lowered onto the machine and bolted by bolts 64FIG. 4 to stationary platen 14. The fixed hot runner 30 is supplied withwater connection hoses from the machine to cool the hot runner manifoldplate 200 and also provide a water circuit to the cavity plate 40.However, movable hot runners 33 and 34 need to be guided onto themachine frame. Key slots 65 and 66 engage keys 68 on carriers 70. Thewater connections or nipples 118 protruding from the service manifolds120 engage female fittings on the base of hot runners 33 and 34 toprovide a secure water supply to the manifold plates of hot runners 33and 34.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the machine 10 with the movable platen 32, movablehot runners 33 and 34 and fixed hot runner 30 installed and the moldsets24, 26 and 28 positioned over the machine ready to be loaded into themachine 10. Each core plate in each moldset 24, 26 and 28 has a guideslot 74. Each guide slot 74 engages a guide bar 75 on the movable platen32 or one of the movable hot runners 33 or 34.

In the embodiment shown in the Figures, a central sprue bar 76 extendsthrough the moldset 24. To enable the moldset 24 to be loaded into themachine 10, slots 78 and 80 are provided in the core plate 48 and cavityplate 40 of moldset 24.

The guide slots 74 on each side of the core plate include core plateseparation blocks 140 and 142. The operation of these separation blocks140 and 142 will be more fully described hereinafter.

FIGS. 6 to 9 illustrate the construction and operation of the linkageassembly for moving the mold between the open and closed positions.There are two assemblies 38 on the machine. The first assembly 38 shownon the back of the machine 10 in FIGS. 6 and 7 has an anchor point 84 atthe base of stationary platen 14 for the short pivoting arm 86. A secondshort pivoting arm 88 is connected to anchor point 90 near the top ofmovable platen 32. Extending arms 92 and 94 are pivotably connected tocarriers 70 at the mid-point of the carriers 70. The lower end of arm 92is pivotably connected to arm 86 and the upper end of arm 94 ispivotably connected to arm 88. Two curved or L-shaped arms 96 and 98connect the arms 92 and 94 together.

The lengths of the linking arms 86, 88, 92, 94, 96 and 98 are adjustedso that the moldsets 24, 26 and 28 open and close simultaneously and thelinking arms 86, 88, 92, 94, 96 and 98 do not interfere with side accessto the open mold. In the present embodiment, the lower portion 92 a ofarm 92 is longer than the upper portion 92 b. For arm 94, the upperportion 94 b is longer than the lower portion 94 a. The arms 96 and 98are curved to ensure that they do not extend across the access to thecores and cavities when the mold is open.

The linkage assembly 38 at the front of the machine is the reverse ofthe assembly 38 on the back of the machine. To emphasize thesimilarities between the two assemblies, similar elements have beendesignated with a prime. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, arm 86′ is connectedto an upper anchor point 84′ on stationary platen 14 and arm 88′ isconnected to a lower anchor point 92′ on movable platen 32. Extendingarms 92′ and 94′ are pivotably connected to carriers (not shown) on themachine in the same manner as arms 92 and 94. However, the longerportion 92 a′ of arm 92′ is the upper portion of the arm and the longerportion 94 b′ is the lower portion of arm 94′. By reversing the twoassemblies 38, the forces driving the molds between the open and closedpositions are balanced and the molds close uniformly.

The linking arms 86′, 88′, 92′, 94′, 96′ and 98′ are also dimensioned sothat they do not interfere with access to the cores and cavities whenthe mold is open. Thus, the molding machine provides ready access to theopen molds from above, below and both sides. As will become apparenthereinafter, this enables the rapid and simple ejection of molded partsand easy and rapid replacement of moldsets.

FIG. 10 shows the cavity plates 40, 42, and 44, core plates 48, 50 and52 and the fixed hot runner 30 and movable hot runners 33 and 34separate from the injection-molding machine. Cavity plate 40 is attachedto core plate 48 by latches 100 (only one shown). Each hot runnerincludes four hot runner leader pins 102 to align the respective cavityplate with the hot runner. Hot runner nozzles 104 extend out of each hotrunner and into the associated cavity plate. Four straight interlocks101 at the midsection of each cavity plate 42 and 44 interface withmatching slots 103 on the respective hot runners. Cavity plate 40 onlyhas three interlocks 101 because a slot 80 is formed in the plate 40 topermit the plate 40 to slide over the sprue bar 76. The leader pins 102ensure reasonable alignment of the cavity plates with the associated hotrunner and the precise shape of the interlocks 101 and slots 103 tightlyalign the nozzles 104 with the gates of the cavities in the cavityplates. The outermost ends of the interlocks 101 are slightly tapered toensure that the interlocks 101 enter into the slots 103 and do not havesharp corners that can impact on one another and cause damage. Thisensures that the moldsets can be changed often without the creation ofalignment concerns over time.

One embodiment of the guide slots for guiding the core plates onto thehot runners 33 and 34 is shown schematically in FIG. 11. At the top ofeach hot runner 33 and 34 and movable platen 32 is a guide plate 106.The guide plate 106 has a tapered surface 108 for receiving and guidingthe core plate into the receiving slot 110. A slightly raised surface112 on the outer surface of each guide plate 106 forces the core plateaway from the hot runner or movable platen so that the core plate doesnot scuff against the hot runner plate or the movable platen as it isbeing guided and loaded onto the machine.

FIG. 12 shows a core plate 114 being guided into a slot 110 and beingpushed slightly away from the surface of the movable platen 32 by theraised surface 112. A cavity plate 116 is attached to the core plate114. Water connections or nipples 118 extend from the water manifold 120and will engage in connectors on the base of the core plate 114 when thecore plate is placed in molding position. Guide pin 119 guides the coreplate 114 onto the water manifold 120 to ensure a secure connection ofthe connectors 118 to the female connectors on the core plate 114.

FIG. 13 is a partial assembly showing the guide slot 74 on core plate 52just entering the guide plate 106. The tapered surface 115 at the frontedge of slot 74 permits the core plate 52 to align with the guide plate106. The raised surface 112 on the guide plate 106 moves the core plate52 away from the surface of the movable platen 32 so the core plate 52does not scuff against the surface of the platen 32 as it is beingloaded into the machine. The female connectors 121 on the underside ofcore plate 52 engage connectors 118 when the core plate is fully loadedinto the movable platen 32.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the movable platen 32 with the guideplates 106 and 122 installed. The guide plates 106 are mounted on anupper portion of the platen 32 and lower guide plates 122 are mounted ona lower portion of the platen 32. Wedge plates 124 are mounted on watermanifold 120. A wedging surface 126 is formed on the upper end of plates124 and engage the front face of the core plate when it is nearing itsfully mounted position. The wedging surfaces 126 force the core plateinto firm contact with the platen 32. It is noted that each core plateis loaded in this same manner so it is unnecessary to describe theloading operation for the other two core plates onto the movable hotrunners 33 and 34.

FIG. 15 shows the core plate 52 fully installed on platen 32 and wedgedtightly against platen 32 by wedge surface 126 on wedge plate 124 and awedging surface on the separation block 140. The separation block 140 ismore fully described hereinafter.

FIG. 16 shows the flexible water lines 62 extending to the manifolds 120on each hot runner. One set of lines 62 extends under tiebars 18 on oneside of the machine and the other set of lines 62 extends along theunderside of the other lower tiebar 18. Lines 62 are out of the way ofthe mold opening so parts can be dropped downwardly without encounteringinterference from any components of the machine.

FIG. 17 shows a core plate 50 secured to movable hot runner 33. Cavityplate 42 is secured to core plate 50 by latches 100 (only one shown) andis ready to be secured to the hot runner plate.

With this new design, the replacement of molds and servicing of themachine are much simplified over earlier designs

First, the mold guides 106 and 122 are installed on the movable platen32 and movable hot runners 33 and 34. The water manifolds 120 and wedgeplates 124 are also installed on the movable platen 32 and movable hotrunners 33 and 34. The water manifolds 120 are installed on carriers 70and the flexible water lines 62 attached from below. As shown in FIG. 3,the movable hot runners 33 and 34 are each installed on carriers 70 andthe hot runner 30 is bolted to the fixed platen 14. Next, as shown inFIG. 5, the moldsets 24, 26 and 28 are lowered onto the hot runners 33and 34 and the movable platen 32, one at a time. A dial indicator, to bedescribed hereinafter, is provided to indicate when the moldset isproperly seated and the air and water connections are secure. When themoldset is in place it is bolted to its associated platen or hot runnerand the crane hook is removed. After all three moldsets have beenbolted, the machine is slowly closed to permit the cavity plates 40, 42and 44 to engage hot runner leader pins 102, straight interlocks 101 andhot runner nozzles 104. Clamp tonnage is then applied and each cavityplate is partially bolted to the hot runner associated with it. Thebolts are sufficient in number to ensure that the cavity plate is securewhen separated from the core plate. The stack mold carrier to hot runnerbolts are now tightened. At this point, the latches 100 and the moldsetlift bars are removed. The molds can now be slowly opened with the coreplates separating from the cavity plates. When the molds are open theremaining cavity plate bolts can be tightened and the electrical cablesattached to the top of the hot runners. The machine is now ready to moldparts.

When replacement of the moldsets is required, the procedure is reverse.The mold is opened and latches 100 are slid onto the cavity plates. Mostof the bolts securing the cavity plate to the hot runner are removed.The remaining bolts need only hold the cavity plate in position. Themold is closed and the latches 100 are attached to the core plate. Theremaining bolts securing the cavity plate to the hot runner are removedand the mold is opened. The bolts attaching the core plate to itsassociated moving platen 32 or hot runner are removed. Now the cranehook can be attached to the moldset and the moldset removed from themachine.

The injection molding machine provides pre-assembled moldsets for eachfamily of parts to be molded so that the moldsets can be changed quicklyand efficiently. The guided moldset loading ensures that the moldsetsinstall with minimal operator intervention. The hose-less coupling ofthe services ensures quick, sure and easy coupling of services to themachine and moldsets. The open linkage assembly ensures that parts canbe readily retrieved by a robot from either side of the machine orsimply freely dropped through the bottom of the machine. The robot couldeven enter from atop the machine.

FIGS. 18 to 21 illustrate apparatus for automatically connecting airsupplies to the core plate. The apparatus also provides guide surfacesto keep the core plate away from the hot runner or platen faces duringloading of the core plate and positively moving the core plate towardthe platen or hot runner face when the core plate is near the end oftravel. During removal, the apparatus moves the core plate away from theplaten or hot runner face at the start of travel. The apparatus alsoprovides means for indicating the positive loading of the core plate. Inthis embodiment, the core plate 148 has guide slots 174 for guiding thecore plate 148 onto guide plate 206 in the same manner as previouslydescribed with reference to core plate 48. Core plate 148 includes coreplate separation blocks 140 and 142. Each separation block 140 and 142includes an air channel or channels to provide air to the core plate toenable ejection of parts from the cores on the core plate. This createsa separation of the air supply from the water supply at the base of thecore plate thus reducing the possibility of contamination of the airsupply in the event that the water supply remains pressurized when acore plate is not in position on the mold. Each guide plate 206 includesan air channel with a discharge outlet 144. As the core plate 148 slidesinto position, an air opening 138 in the undersurface of each core plateseparation block 140 and 142 engages a discharge outlet 144. To ensurethat the opening 138 makes an airtight seal with the outlets 144, eachoutlet 144 has a compressible and pliable exit surface. In someinstances, it may be desirable to provide the openings 138 with asimilar compressible and pliable surface. A preferred material for thedischarge outlets 144 is Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene(UHMWPE).

The angular surface 146, shown in FIG. 20, on the separation blocks 140and 142 engages a camming surface (not shown) on the guide plate 206.The camming surface forces the separation blocks 140 and 142 and joinedcore plate 148 towards the platen or hot runner when the core plate isnearing its end of travel. A distance of approximately 50 mm from theend of travel is considered a reasonable place for this camming actionto start. At the same time as this camming action is initiated, thewedge surfaces 126 on the wedge plates 124 are forcing the lower portionof the core plate 148 toward the face of the hot runner or platen. Thus,the core plate is forced toward the platen or hot runner in an uprightmanner so that it engages the platen or hot runner face evenly. Thiscamming action also causes the opening 138 to positively engage with thedischarge outlet 144.

The angular surface 150, shown in FIG. 21, on the core plate separationblocks 140 and 142 acts with corresponding sloped surfaces (not shown)on the guide plates 206 to cam the core plate away from the platen orhot runner face upon initial movement of the core plate duringextraction of the core plate from the mold.

Another feature of the machine is the provision of a dial indicator 130shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. Compression of the extended rod 132 by thedownward movement of the core plate separation blocks 140 and 142indicate directly whether the blocks 140 and 142 and the core plate 148to which they are attached have been properly secured in the machine.The dial indicators 130 are situated under an overhang of the guideplate 206 so that they are protected from incidental contact. The use oftwo indicators provides an operator with the choice of standing oneither side of the machine while the core plates are being installed. Inoperation, the dial indicators would be set during the initial or firstinstallation of a moldset in the machine. This setting would be used tomeasure the proper insertion of subsequent moldsets.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the water manifolds 120 are bolted to thecarriers 70 and provide nipple connections 118 to the hot runners 33 and34 and the core plates (not shown). When the hot runners and core andcavity plates are guided onto the carriers 70, the nipple connectors 18automatically engage corresponding openings in the hot runners and coreand cavity plates. The guide pins 152 on the top of the water manifold120 serve to guide a core plate 48 or 148 onto the manifold 120 andensure that the tapered female connectors 121 on a core plate 48 or 148are aligned with the nipples 118 along the front edge of the manifold120.

It will, of course, be understood that the above description has beengiven by way of example only and that modifications in detail may bemade within the scope of the present invention.

1. An automatic docking system for an injection molding machine having amold comprising: a moldset including a core plate: a guide on each sideof said core plate; moldset guides on a face of said mold, said moldsetguides cooperating with said core plate guides to load said moldset intosaid machine; a water manifold mounted in said mold; said plurality ofwater connections extending from said manifold toward a moldset to bemounted in said machine, said water connections providing a source ofwater to said moldset; an air channel in each said moldset guide; a coreplate separation block attached to a top end of each said core plateguide, air channels extending through said core plate and said coreplate separation blocks; each said separation block including an airopening for engaging an air opening on a moldset guide when said moldsetis loaded into said machine; said core plate guides and moldset guidesguiding said moldset into said machine and guiding water connections insaid moldset into sealing connection with said water connections in saidmanifold and said air openings on said separation block into sealingconnection with said air openings on said moldset guides when saidmoldset is fully installed in said machine.
 2. An automatic dockingsystem for an injection molding machine as defined in claim 1 whereinsaid moldset guide air channels exit said moldset guide at a top surfacethereof and include a flexible and compressible seal extending beyondsaid top surface, said seal being impinged upon and compressed by saidseparation block as said core plate reaches a loaded position in saidmachine.
 3. An automatic docking system for an injection molding machineas defined in claim 1 wherein said face of said mold is a face of aplaten.
 4. An automatic docking system for an injection molding machineas defined in claim 1 wherein said face of said mold is a face of a hotrunner.
 5. An automatic docking system for an injection molding machineas defined in claim 2 wherein said face of said mold is a face of aplaten.
 6. An automatic docking system for an injection molding machineas defined in claim 2 wherein said face of said mold is a face of a hotrunner.
 7. A docking system as defined in any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4,5 or 6 wherein said water connections in said moldset are on a bottomsurface of said core plate.